Science
As a Maynooth University Science, Computer Science or Engineering student, you will have the opportunity to develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as advanced teamwork, leadership and numeracy skills – all of which are highly valued in many sectors of the labour market.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University is involved in many interesting and dynamic research areas.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Erasmus/Study Abroad Option: Subject to availability
Placement Option No
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Minimum Entry Requirements:
2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 Irish, English & a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.
All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.
The requirements for each course are shown above.
* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.
The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (i.e. can be counted as one of the six subjects required - grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points are awarded as follows:
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Applicants can use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their best six subjects for the purpose of calculating points, but the Link Modules do not qualify as a subject for minimum entry requirement purposes.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Click on the 'QQI FET Applicants Information link' below for specific course entry requirements.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Career pathways for MH201 graduates: Depending on the subjects chosen (and potential further specialisation), roles for MH201 graduates include, but are not limited to:
>Immunologist
>Chemist
>Meteorologist
>Computer Scientist
>Biomedical Engineer
>Cryptographer
>Cosmologists
>Statistician
>Genetic Specialist
>Environmentalist
>Data Scientist
>Astrophysicist
>Science Educator
>Physicist
>Global Health Specialist
>Medical Physician
>Zoologist
>Mathematician
>Botanist
>Science Communications
Further information
Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 200 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.
The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, tailored information sessions during Orientation/Welcome Week, academic advisors, the Student Budgeting Advice Service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.
See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you, we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
Emer Sheerin, Mature Student Officer
+ 353 1 708 3307
emer.sheerin@mu.ie
2023: 250
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University is involved in many interesting and dynamic research areas including:
1. The Department of Biology brings together groups of experts from various disciplines: Immunology, Evolution, Computational Biology and Genetics, Biochemistry and Environmental Biology.
2. Research in the Department of Chemistry includes Organic, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.
3. The Department of Computer Science has an active research programme in the Computer Vision Group, Computational Cognitive Modelling, Computer Science Education Research, Principles of Programming, Callan Institute, GeoComputation, Computational Information Theory Group and the Music Technology Research Group.
4. The Department of Electronic Engineering is involved in research in Biomedical Engineering, Dynamics and Control, Robotics, Radio and Wireless Communications, and The Centre for Ocean Energy Research.
5. Research in the Department of Experimental Physics in carried out in a variety of areas of experimental physics, astrophysics and astronomy, including Terahertz Space Optics Far Infrared Astronomy, Cosmology, Terahertz Computing, Star and Planet Formation Fluid Dynamics, Molecular Physics, Atmospheric Physics.
6. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has a strong research community involved in the research areas: Algebra and Number Theory, Geometric Analysis, Mathematics Education and Statistics.
7. The Department of Psychology is a unique and dynamic environment for research including Rehabilitation, Disability & Health Psychology, Mental Health, Community & Positive Psychology, Neuroscience, Behaviour & Organisations, Systems and Policy.
8. The Department of Theoretical Physics offers an open and international environment for research. Topics include Quantum Information and Computation, Condensed Matter Physics and Topological Phases of Matter, Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity and Cosmology, History and Philosophy of Physics, and Geometry and Algebraic Structures in Theoretical Physics.
Structure of the Maynooth Bachelor of Science Degree
- Four subjects in 1st year, one of which is Mathematics. Students choose their three other science subjects from the seven remaining subjects.
- No decision about subject choice is necessary until four weeks after commencement of 1st year. This gives you a chance to sample various subjects and make an informed decision.
- 2nd year - continuing with three of your 1st year subjects or take an Elective or Critical Skills.
- 3rd year - continue with two subjects.
- 4th year - continue with one or two subjects.
MH201 offers transfer opportunities into other degrees which are outlined together with the transfer criteria below.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES INTO SPECIALISED DEGREES FROM MH201:
1st year
MH201 BSc Bachelor of Science Degree
2nd year transfer degree / Requirements for eligibility to transfer
MH202 BSc Biotechnology - Students must take Biology, Chemistry and Maths plus 1 other available 1st year subject. Students must achieve an overall grade of 60%. Places are limited and are based on results
MH204 BSc Astrophysics - Students attaining 60% in Experimental Physics and 60% in either Mathematics or Mathematical Physics in 1st year of MH201 may apply to transfer into 2nd year of MH204. Places are limited and are based on results.
MH207 BSc Data Science - Students must take Computer Science/Mathematics/Data Science plus 1 other available 1st year subject. Students must pass the year and achieve an overall grade of 55% or greater in Mathematics in their 1st year science examination.
MH208 BSc Biological and Biomedical Sciences - Students must take Biology, Mathematics plus 2 other available subjects. Transfer is based on Leaving Certificate performance and 1st year university results.
MH210 BSc Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry - Students must take Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry plus 1 other available 1st year subject. Students must achieve an overall grade of 60%. Places are limited and are based on results.
MH212 SED Science (with Education) - Students must take Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Experimental Physics. Up to 2 places each year are available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Selection is on the basis of first year results and the responses on the application form.
MH212 MCS Computer Science and Mathematics (with Education) - Students must take Mathematics and Computer Science plus 2 available 1st year subjects. Up to 2 places each year are available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Selection is on the basis of first year results and the responses on the application form.
MH212 MED Mathematics (with Education) - Students must take Mathematics, Mathematical Physics plus 2 other available 1st year subjects. Up to 2 places each year are available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Selection is on the basis of first year results and the responses on the application form.
MH304 BE Electronic Engineering - Students must take Engineering Science, Mathematics, Computer Science plus 1 other available subject. Subject to attaining 50% or more in the 1st year science examination. Subject to availability of places.
MH602 BSc Computer Science & Software Engineering (through Science) Students must take 22.5 credits of Computer Science, Mathematics plus one other available subject. There is no limit on places.
MH602 BSc Multimedia, Mobile and Web Development (through Science) Students must take 22.5 credits of Computer Science, Mathematics plus one other available subject. There is no limit on places.
Course structure
1st year
Mathematics (required in 1st year)
Plus choose three subjects from:
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Data Science 7
Engineering Science 6
Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics
2nd year
Continue with 3 of the 4 subjects taken in 1st year
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science 1
Engineering Science 6
Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics
Mathematics
Statistics 4
Option to choose 10 credits of Critical Skills or 10 credits of Electives
3rd year
Continue with 2 of the 3 subjects taken in 2nd year
Biology
Chemistry 3
Computer Science 2
Engineering Science 6
Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics 3
Mathematics (Applied)
Mathematics (Pure)
Statistics 4 5
Final year
Double Major: continue with your two subjects taken in third year
Biology
Chemistry 3
Computer Science 2
Engineering Science 6
Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics 3
Mathematics (Applied)
Mathematics (Pure)
Statistics 4 5
Final year
Single Major: continue with one of the two subjects taken in third year
Biology
Chemistry 3
Computer Science 2
Engineering Science 6
Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics 3
Mathematics (Applied)
Mathematics (Pure)
1 Students taking Computer Science in second year must also take Mathematics.
2 Students intending to take Computer Science as a Single Major degree must take Mathematics (Pure) or Mathematics (Applied) in third year.
3 Chemistry and Mathematical Physics cannot be taken together in third or fourth year.
4 Statistics may not be taken with Mathematical Physics in any year, or with Chemistry in third and fourth year. Students taking Statistics must also take Mathematics in second year.
5 Students taking Statistics in second year must also take Mathematics. Statistics can be, but does not have to be, combined with Mathematics in third and fourth year. Statistics may not be taken with Mathematical Physics in any year, or with Chemistry in third and fourth year.
6 Engineering Science cannot be taken with Biology. Students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science.
7 Data Science cannot be combined with Mathematical Physics. Students taking Data Science in first year can follow on with Statistics in second year, provided they get 55% in first year Mathematics. However, Data Science in first year is not a requirement for taking Statistics in second year.
The Maynooth Education:
1st Year
Four weeks to decide on subject choice. During Orientation students will have the opportunity to learn about more about subject selection within MH201.
2nd Year
Option to choose 10 credits of Critical Skills or 10 credits of Electives
For more comprehensive information about individual subjects please view the course webpage - link above (or view the college prospectus 2024 pg. 114-122)
Contact us
Maynooth University Admissions Office, Humanity House,
South Campus
+ 353 1 708 3822
admissions@mu.ie
www.mu.ie/level8